Not Here to Make Friends: How Reality TV Shapes (and Warps) Society

This week, to continue our "Month of Macabre", Stauney and Sadie explore the Victorian era’s obsession with death and its intricate mourning traditions—hair art, death portraits, and mourning dolls—all shaped by high mortality rates. Amid this fascination with the afterlife, we discuss the phenomenon of the Fox Sisters claiming to communicate with spirits and therefore sparking the rise of spiritualism. Join us as we dive into how the sisters deceived society and discover how their story became intertwined with 19th-century death culture and the ongoing search for connection beyond the grave. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney and Sadie introduce the dark origins of nursery rhymes. While these seemingly innocent songs have become a staple of childhood, many were born from grim histories of plagues, political unrest, and even tragedy. From "Ring Around the Roses," believed to reference the Black Death, to "Humpty Dumpty," originally a cannon that fell during battle, and "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," thought to reflect religious persecution during Queen Mary I's reign, these rhymes hold hidden stories far darker than their playful tunes suggest. Join Stauney and Sadie as they delve into the twisted roots of these timeless verses, uncovering the unsettling truths behind the rhymes that shaped generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney introduces us to Suzy Parker. As one of the most iconic faces of 1950s fashion and, at one point, the highest-paid supermodel in the world, Suzy Parker redefined the standards of beauty and fame. Not only did she dominate magazine covers and advertising campaigns, but she also became the first model to transition into film and television successfully. Suzy's influence extended beyond fashion, inspiring The Beatles' song "Suzy Parker." Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore this trailblazing model's life, career, and enduring legacy, whose remarkable impact continues to shape the fashion world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sadie introduces us to Dorian Leigh. Often hailed as one of the first true supermodels, Dorian Leigh not only defined an era of beauty and style but also inspired one of literature and film’s most iconic characters, Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Beyond her captivating presence on magazine covers, Dorian's life was marked by tumultuous relationships and a pioneering spirit that helped shape the modern model agency industry. Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore the life, influence, and enduring legacy of this trailblazing model who forever changed the face of fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into the uncredited women who played pivotal roles during one of the biggest boys' clubs in art history: the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. We'll introduce you to trailblazers like Julia Margaret Cameron, Christina Rossetti, Evelyn De Morgan, Elizabeth Siddal, Marie Spartali Stillman, and Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, whose influence on the movement and beyond is undeniable. Though often overshadowed by their male counterparts, these women were the true powerhouses behind the Pre-Raphaelite vision, shaping the art world in ways the "bros" could never have done alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney introduces us to one of Coco Chanel’s fiercest rivals and a name experiencing a resurgence in the fashion world: Elsa Schiaparelli. Stauney and Sadie dive into Schiaparelli's strict and unconventional upbringing, her tumultuous marriage to a con artist, her journey as a single mother, and her deep connections with surrealist artists of her time. They also explore the rise and fall of her iconic fashion house and the lasting legacy she built—one that is being rediscovered and celebrated today. From surrealist collaborations to daring, imaginative designs, Schiaparelli's influence continues to shape modern couture unexpectedly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into one of society's most debated pastimes: Reality Television. Whether you love or loathe it, there's no denying these shows' significant cultural footprint on our country. Reality TV has done it all—from sparking cultural trends to encouraging toxic behaviors—its influence on society is truly a double-edged sword, creating both connections and divisions. Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore the origins of reality TV, its peaks and pitfalls, and how it both reflects and shapes the world we live in today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Carr, one of British Columbia’s most celebrated painters, brought the vibrant spirit of Fauvism to North America, illuminating the deep artistic and cultural ties between the northern tribes and the landscapes of Canada and Alaska. This week on the show, Stauney introduces the remarkable Emily Carr, and together with Sadie, they explore her early years, the long journey to finding her true calling, the seven iconic painters from Canada, and the enduring impact she has left on the history of Canadian art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sadie introduces us to Katherine Dunham, famous for her anthropology research and introduction of tribal dance styles to the modern stage. We discuss her life, research, travels, accomplishments, and influence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sadie introduces us to Eleanor Greenwich, known as Ellie, who was the hit songwriter behind many of the greatest songs of the sixties pop charts. Stauney and Sadie discuss her life, the songwriting scene at the time, her undeniable talent and the mark she left on the music industry and pop culture itself with hits like "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Be My Baby", "Maybe I Know", "Then He Kissed Me", "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", "Hanky Panky", "Chapel of Love", "Leader of the Pack", and "River Deep – Mountain High", among others. We also discuss the Ballerina Farms situation and our thoughts on relationships, sacrifice, and the arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices